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Notions of glamorous travel have evolved over the decades. In the 1980s, a newly emerging generation of prosperous baby boomers went off to try the Champagne of France, the balls of Vienna and to fly off to the stars of Michelin. In the '90s those same travelers began seeking a more spiritual component in their travels and eco-tourism defined a new brand of experiential luxury that was as at home in the rainforest as it was in the Four Seasons.
Now comes "Glamping," a term defined as glamorous camping, sort of like an A&K safari in a luxury tent, but not necessarily in Africa. Glamping is just one aspect of a kind of travel that enjoys the unusual lodging.
At the Berlin ITB in March, Marco Walter, managing director of ECOCAMPING addressed glamping and "the connection between people's lust for adventure, the demand for luxury and ecological awareness." Apparently glamping has become especially popular with families, high earners and travelers over 65.
These travelers love nature but don't buy their own camping gear. Instead they opt for such glamping accommodation as luxury bungalows that include lodge tents and original sleeping quarters such as tree houses, circus wagons, barrel cabins and teepees.
As in an A&K safari tent, these accommodations may include Jacuzzis, en-suite baths, double beds, cooking areas and more. The trend is growing leaps and bounds in Europe. According to Vacanceselect, in 2013 the figures for German and Austrian overnights in glamping accommodation rose by 18.5 percent. In 2014 growth is expected to reach 29 percent.
"The customers targeted by glamping operators attach great importance to social and ecological awareness," said Walter. "That is why energy efficiency, saving resources and an eco-friendly design of sleeping quarters can be the deciders when booking a particular site."
Glamping is very successful at convincing non-campers that this type of holiday is worthwhile, said Walter: "More than 90 percent of the population in Europe never goes camping. The potential here is huge, as glamping offers a high standard of quality at relatively cheap prices."
One wonderful example of glamping comes from Tree Top Huts in Norway. These treetop lodgings are situated at 25 feet above the forest floor, high in the tree crowns. Three cabins are located near each other in the forest of Ringsaker, between Hamar and Lillehammer, 90 minutes north of Oslo.
The newest addition, the pine cabin, even has a ramp that makes it easily accessible for wheel chair users. The cabins comfortably house between six and eight people with prices starting at 999NOK or about $160 per night.
The cabins, like Rock A Bye Baby's cradle, are designed to move gently with the trees. It's a sensation that lets you know where you are at all times. And at that height, birders can get up close with the many birds of the forest. Wildlife can also be spotted as the cabins are located far from traffic and populated areas.
A new resort, the Vieng Tara Villa in Vang Vieng, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies near Laos' Nam Song River is comprised of individual wooden villas, each with Wi-Fi, flat screen TV and private verandas. The resort is located about a 10 minute drive from the center of Vang Vieng, a very touristic town with plenty of activities.
Destination Asia calls it "a peaceful setting away from the bustle of the town." It's an ideal stopover point for those journeying between Vientiane and Luang Prabang; the Vieng Tara Villa is an excellent overnight option to break up the drive.
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